Donna Otten

Come back here when you need to remember my return. I am off to Spain and then I will be sailing in Greece. I am very much so ready for a scheduled vacation to slow down. Breathe, swim and lay in the sun. I am so grateful for my connection with all of you. See you refreshed and focused on the other end.

Did you know that 90% of people breathe dysfunctionally without even knowing it?
Your breath affects everything, your sleep, your stress, your immune system, your heart health, your mood. And most of us have never been taught how to actually do it well.
I am hosting a free workshop on August 4th from 6 to 7pm at SCCYC in Marina del Rey where we will cover the three foundations of functional breathing, nasal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and Coherent Breathing. Come learn, connect, and leave with tools you will use every single day.
Snacks provided. Because community and good food go together.
After the workshop, stay for an optional Humming Breath and Sound Bath on the dock from 7:15 to 8pm — a deeply restorative experience under the open sky to close out the evening.
Space is limited. Grab your spot now — link in bio.

I turned around. Dangled my legs off the side. Looked out at the horizon. Breathed in the salt air. Felt the wind in my hair. And smiled.

I stopped fighting the boat and started dancing with it.

That’s breathwork in real life. The breath is the one tool that directly communicates with your nervous system. Slow it down. Open it up. And suddenly — the grip loosens. The fear becomes freedom.

Where in your life are you gripping when you could be dancing? 🌊

Being a business owner of one means: if I’m not doing the work, nothing gets done. That’s just true. And I’m learning it’s okay.
I’m working on prioritizing what actually needs to be done — because there will always be more. I could work 24/7. Some weeks it feels like I do. So I’m trying to get honest with myself about when I’m doing real work versus just busy work.
Today I brought back something I haven’t done in a long time: Self-Care Thursday.
I have arthritis, and I’m in a flare right now. There’s a whole story behind it I won’t get into, but the short version, I injured my toe, then reinjured it, because I wasn’t sticking to my own self-care. I put myself on the back burner easily. Too easily.
So today: rest, ice, elevate. Movement.
Then an infrared sauna and snow shower at Prespire. If you haven’t tried this in MDR, this is your sign. Use code DONNAHEALS for $10 off your first session.
After that — lunch floating in the pool with a friend. Vitamin D, connection, laughs.
I’ve learned I have to schedule play, joy, make it the intention. Not sure when that became true for me, but if I don’t, life just flies by in obligations. There’s still joy and gratitude in the obligations, but I can always use more.
Then a long warm shower before a date with my life partner, a man who shows up for me constantly, makes me coffee and dinner, and says yes to my curiosity about life. I am so grateful for him, and I’m learning to schedule the quality time it takes to actually feel that connection, not just move past it.
Days like this remind me what I love about my life. They give me space from “Donna the business owner” — an identity I hold, but not all of who I am.
Remember the child in you. The playful, joyful, silly one.
MDR ScheduleJoy

Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. — Abraham Lincoln

I’m back from vacation and ready to dive into this summer energy 🌞
Mark your calendar or save this post for easy reference if you are looking to cultivate presence this summer. To reset and be present, join me.

Upcoming July Classes

7/08 — Mind Body Bliss Pilates
7/09 — Breath & Sound, In-Person@StudioU
7/15 — Mind Body Bliss Pilates
7/16 — Virtual Breath & Sound
7/19 — ✨ NEW: Mindful Walk & Breath and Sound on the Beach
7/22 — Mind Body Bliss Pilates
7/29 — Mind Body Bliss Pilates
7/30 — Virtual Breath & Sound

✨ New this summer: Mindful Walk & Breath and Sound on the Beach
Sunday, 7/19 · 8–10am · Marina del Rey / Venice

A special summer offering. We’ll walk together in silence, practicing a guided mindfulness meditation in motion — noticing the sand, the light, the sound of the waves as if for the very first time, without naming or judging what we see. It’s a practice of coming back to your senses, and back to yourself. We’ll close with breath and sound on the beach to fully arrive. Bring water and an open heart.

Mind Body Bliss Pilates
Now every Wednesday at Studio U, 1:30–2:20pm. A small, intimate mat Pilates class rooted in Joseph Pilates’ original method — spinal stability, full range of motion, and hands-on cueing in a six-spot studio setting. Strength that starts from your center and moves outward.

Location: Marina del Rey
Link in bio to book

With love,
Donna 🌿

June is here, and I’m so excited to share what’s coming up. Whether you’re brand new to breathwork or it’s already part of your practice, there’s a place for you this month.
On 6/5, Grounded in Nature is an outdoor experience where we connect with the earth beneath us — breathwork woven into a sound immersion, the way I love to teach it. There’s something about being outside, letting nature hold the space, that takes the practice deeper.
On 6/6, something really special — a Yacht Pilates Mini Wellness Retreat out on the water in Marina Del Rey. I can’t wait for that one.
And throughout the month, you can join me virtually or in person at Studio U for Breath & Sound sessions — where we breathe, move energy, release, and close with a sound bath.
Check the schedule above, and tap the link in my bio to save your spot. I’d love to practice with you.

Breathwork Thursdays are here.
Every Thursday in May, I’m holding space for you to slow down, breathe deep, and come back to yourself.
We’ll move between virtual and in-person sessions all month long, a new rhythm to carry you through the season.
Here’s the schedule:
May 7 — Virtual, 5pm May 14 — In Person at Studio U, Marina del Rey, 7pm, May 21 — Virtual, 5pm, May 28 — In Person at Studio U, Marina del Rey, 7pm
Whether you join from your living room or in the room with me, you belong here. This is your invitation to stop holding your breath and start letting it move you.
Sign up through the link in my bio.

Be good. Be happy. Be love. See you soon. I’ll be back on my phone and computer April 20th. Check your email while I am away. Little surprises will trickle to you. I love you. ~Donna